A HISTORIC hat-trick from Arsenal striker Jodie Taylor ensured it was first blood to England this evening (Wednesday) as they won their opening UEFA Women’s Euro match against Scotland 6-0.

Taylor topped off two instinctive first-half goals with a third seven minutes into the restart to become the first female England player to score a hat-trick in a Euro championship match.

Former Gunner Ellen White, Taylor’s Arsenal team-mate Jordan Nobbs and Barcelona’s new forward Toni Duggan also got on the scoresheet in a dominant display from a side ranked fifth in the world.

Three Arsenal players started the Euro opener in Utrecht – new signing Lisa Evans for the Scots, and Taylor and Jordan Nobbs for England.

And while winger Evans had little opportunity to shine on Scotland’s major tournament debut, her new club-mates ran the show for Mark Sampson’s England.

Nobbs was key in the heart of midfield, while Taylor’s goals put England in the driving seat early in the first half. It took just 10 minutes for the 31-year-old to make her mark with a cool shot in a one-on-one with 201-times capped keeper Gemma Fay.

The former USA professional league player put the game further beyond Scotland 16 minutes later when she hooked the ball home in a goalmouth scramble.

White’s well-taken shot after the ball came back off the post made it 3-0 just after the half hour mark and while Anna Signeul’s side started the second half brightly, Taylor hammered home the gulf in class with a super lob on 52 minutes.

It was game over for 21st in the world Scotland, but England were not finished and a brilliant volley from Nobbs four minutes from time, swiftly followed by a headed goal from substitute Duggan, sealed a demolition job.

Next up for England are Spain on Sunday evening, while Scotland will face Portugal in the earlier kick-off.